Top positive review

The Undercover Economist is a clearly-written and thorough introduction to economics using practical examples such as coffee shops and grocery store pricing, auctions, congestion charges and health care systems. There is a second dimension to the book, however, in that the author, while demonstrating the economic concepts, makes and argues a case in support of free trade, laissez-faire economic policy and globalisation. He generally makes a strong case, but the analysis is patchy at times. For example, in making his argument for why globalisation is a good thing, he mentions the foreign exchange market as a key point but he never adequately explains it. Overall, this is an accessible and fairly light read, which is recommended for anyone looking to improve his/her understanding of economics.

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The Undercover Economist is a clearly-written and thorough introduction to economics using practical examples such as coffee shops and grocery store pricing, auctions, congestion charges and health care systems. There is a second dimension to the book, however, in that the author, while demonstrating the economic concepts, makes and argues a case in support of free trade, laissez-faire economic policy and globalisation. He generally makes a strong case, but the analysis is patchy at times. For example, in making his argument for why globalisation is a good thing, he mentions the foreign exchange market as a key point but he never adequately explains it. Overall, this is an accessible and fairly light read, which is recommended for anyone looking to improve his/her understanding of economics.

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Tim Harford’s “Undercover Economist” is a clear and well argued read. You don’t need any prior economic knowledge to understand his key arguments and he explains things in clear and simple language.

The book is along the same lines as a raft of populist social/science books - perhaps the most obvious comparison is with Steven Levitt’s “Freakonomics”. However, while the two share an easy reading quality, Freakonomics is more concerned with micro economics (and human decisions) while Harford also covers macroeconomic arguments. Of the two, I found Harford’s more interesting and insightful. It seems more concerned with explaining things than going for the shock value. That’s not to say that there are not some contentious issues - the economic view of sweatshops for example won’t thrill everyone but his arguments are well reasoned.

There is a clear development of Harford’s approach - from the importance of scarcity right up to looking at the reasons for China’s development. The content of the chapters is cross referenced so you get a real sense of an argument building.

The concept of Harford as an “undercover economist” is the only area that doesn’t live up to the promise. Sure there are times when he uses the idea to explain why things are as they are from an economist’s point of view - notably looking at coffee prices - but while there are times when it is a useful device, for much of the book the undercover concept is a bit spurious. It’s really more of an explanation of why the world is as it is economically.

It’s both an enjoyable read and a very good and clear introduction to some key economic ideas that will give some useful examples to explain the key ideas.

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This is a well written book that explains complicated ideas in relatively simple words using real world, every day kinds of examples. I remained perfectly engaged with the material throughout the entire book.

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Wow, Tim Harford is such an amazing writer. In this book he illustrates economics with such illuminating and fascinating examples which really help you understand the key components of economics in our everyday lives. A must read